Pray for the Peace

“As he [Jesus] approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over
it.” Luke 19:41

My heart hurts at the mental picture of my Savior hunched over weeping for the city that is His. Jerusalem, truly the whole nation of Israel, rests closer to His heart than we can realize. Today they are at war again. Oh, I feel just a small sting of Christ’s pain as He wept, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace…” (Luke 19:42). I picture tears flowing undisturbed down His strong cheekbones. Was it for His pain that He wept or the tribulation that was coming for His beloved country? She would prostrate herself before idols that would crush her and drink from cups of those that would attempt to destroy her. She would be confined to prison camps and forced out of her land. She would be taken advantage of, persecuted, and bruised but He would see to it she would not be destroyed. He had established a covenant with her and He would do what He promised.

The tears are still coming, now flowing freely into the palms of His rugged, powerful hands. He can already see the scars that will be put there. He can feel the weight of rejection from His bride, although yet, they sing His praises. He knew full well the price it would take to save her and also the time and pain that would come before she would accept it as paid.

Oh, Israel, “what would bring you peace…?” Their Prince of Peace would be beaten and hung upon an old cross not much later. Yet, two thousand years have passed and they are still searching for Him. How much longer before He will be found by them? My heart hurts at all the pain yet to come to this nation, dearly loved by God. They have tarried through insurmountable odds, overcome unimaginable obstacles and come out only the stronger for it. Surely, God’s hand has not left them. But, Oh, Lord, I ask You, how long before You come to reclaim your borrowed and used bride? Before You take home what You long ago bought and paid for?

After a time of mourning, Jesus must have looked far ahead in time to quiet His soul. He must have straightened up, put His shoulders back and held His head high once again. The pain He was feeling at Israel’s departure would be trifling to what would surge through His heart at the sight of her upon His return. Evidence of the seduction and the abuse she encountered would be displayed openly before the world. But He would be back for her and this time she would recognize Who He is. Her tears of repentance will mix with His of forgiveness and all the hurt will be drowned. He will pick up His broken bride whom He had been carrying for years unrecognized, and take her home. His covenant will be fulfilled and despite it all, Israel will live…and finally find peace.

Please, let’s pray for the peace of Israel. How can we love God and not love what He loves? He is coming back to that very land…He will set foot once again on the Mount of Olives. Oh, words fail me…I can’t wait to see Him!